Solution for Fighting Corruption in Developing Countries

Poorer countries tend to be measurably more corrupt than richer countries. But the debate about causality is still open. Is corruption the single most important reason why many sensible reforms esse ...

Poorer countries tend to be measurably more corrupt than richer countries. But the debate about causality is still open. Is corruption the single most important reason why many sensible reforms essential for economic development fail in developing economies, or does economic development raise demand for fighting corruption?

Gain experience in measuring the costs of corruption at the micro level. Define good practice by improved indicators of corruption.

We need international support to create experiments to gather data to study the causes and consequences of corruption. To measure the costs of corruption and to define meaningful ways to make institutions less corrupt, it is essential to know, first, how corrupt buyers and sellers match, second, how they make and enforce their implicit contracts, third, what footprints their illicit transactions create, and fourth, what steps they take to cover them up.

Raising consciousness about the existence and harm from corruption is an essential precondition for fighting corruption. Indicators that allow countries to know where they stand in international comparisons have to be improved on a permanent basis. This information should be disseminated on a broad basis.

Empower civil society – at the global, national and local level – to build coalitions against corruption. Use a holistic approach to fighting corruption, including an integrity system with element ...

Empower civil society – at the global, national and local level – to build coalitions against corruption. Use a holistic approach to fighting corruption, including an integrity system with elements such as whistleblower protection and exit opportunities for offenders.

Do not restrict the fight against corruption to prosecution of senior officials involved in graft; instead fight corruption at all relevant levels. Deal with corruption politically and head-on, rather ...

Do not restrict the fight against corruption to prosecution of senior officials involved in graft; instead fight corruption at all relevant levels. Deal with corruption politically and head-on, rather than through the finance of political competition.